The new owners of the West Ridge Event Center, formerly Braykley's Hall, are experimenting with comedy nights and other forms of entertainment.
This Saturday, comedy hypnotist Brian Powers will take the stage at 7 p.m., with dinner starting at 6 p.m.
Powers is a comedy hypnotist, certified clinical hypnotherapist, guest speaker and a professional booking agent with over 7,300 shows in the past 20 years. He has performed his comedy stage hypnosis show "Powers of the Mind" throughout the United States, Canada and aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines. His shows have been described as comical, mesmerizing and fascinating, his website says.
He describes his show as clean humor that's never rude. The interactive entertainment features guests from the audience responding in various ways, making no two shows the same.
Mike and Denise Barnes took over at the event center last October. In addition to renting the center for weddings and other events, the couple has experimented with various forms of entertainment there, including comedians and DJs. In the future, they're considering musicians, trivia nights, fundraisers and possibly murder mysteries, among other things.
No alcohol is sold at events at the center, but guests are invited to bring their own beverages.
"If they haven't been here before, it's something new and different," Mike Barnes said. "It's kind of geared for Jeff City."
He said Deja Vu in Columbia is the only comedy club in the area but has more of a college atmosphere and requires guests to buy drinks. Their events, he said, offer "an affordable evening out without any rushing around or hassle."
The center will feature another comedy night on April 19, with three comedians and an open mic period.
Since purchasing the center, the Barnes have updated the flooring, entrance area and lighting, adding disco lights and a disco ball. A photo booth is also now on the premises and open at many events for guests to use at no extra charge.
At a glance
What: Comedy hypnotist Brian Powers
When: 6 p.m. buffet dinner; 7 p.m. show Saturday
Where: West Ridge Event Center, 219 Murphy Ford Road, Centertown, Mo.
Cost: $10 for dinner and $10 for the show
Contact: 573-634-9732